One of the city’s most popular fringe festivals, Pax in the Park, will be bringing another exciting collection of genre-crossing musicians and plentiful good vibes to Heeley People’s Park this summer.
Organised by the team behind much-loved Victoria Quays venue The Dorothy Pax, which is well-reputed for putting on innovative live music showcases, the event will run for three days and feature everything from jazz collectives and indie-folk to cosmic dross and cinematic dystopian pop-rock electronica!
Across the weekend, attendees will also be able to enjoy bars stocked by some of Sheffield’s best breweries – including the award-winning Triple Point, who’ll be doing a special ‘Pax Park Pale’ – and a mouthwatering selection of street food from local vendors. The event prides itself on promoting a strong community-led ethos and has proved a popular option for large groups and families looking to enjoy a friendly, fun-filled environment with craft and merch stalls, kids’ entertainment and plenty.
CAN YOU HELP?
The Dorothy Pax team funded Pax in the Park last year using its own reserves, as well as remnants of money received from the Arts Council England’s Culture Recovery Fund. However, due to a lack of funds this year, they are asking for donations, as well as volunteers, to enable them to keep the festival going and maintain its free-entry policy.
They are attempting to raise £10k towards the running of this year’s event and, if you are able, you can chip in to help get them there by visiting gofundme.com/f/freepaxpark.
Other ways you can help fundraise for the event is buy purchasing limited edition Pax in the Park badges (£1) at the Dorothy Pax bar, or by attending one of the upcoming fundraising events: Strange Britain Presents: Crown & Spectre (9 May), La Luna DJs (16 June) and Sevenby7 DJ set (24 June).
Donate: www.gofundme.com/f/freepaxpark Volunteer: paxinthepark@gmail.com
HENGE
A British electronic crossover rock band formed in Manchester in 2015. They play a type of music they call Cosmic Dross, which is characterized by its use of electronic sounds and effects, as well as its lyrics, which often deal with science fiction, mythology, and other esoteric subjects. HENGE’s live shows are also known for their elaborate costumes and stage props. Not one to be missed live!
The John Otway Band
English singer-songwriter who has built a cult following since the 1970s. He is known for his quirky sense of humor, a self-deprecating personality and catchy songs. His biggest hit was ‘Really Free’ in 1977.
Martin Stephenson & The Daintees
A British rock/folk/pop band formed in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1983. They are known for their eclectic mix of musical styles, their energetic live performances and songwriter Martin Stephenson’s unmatched lyrical skills.
We Are Not Devo
The best Devo tribute band in the UK. Simples.
Stevie Watts Organ Trio feat. Alice Armstrong
The Stevie Watts Organ Trio is a group of highly regarded sidemen who have worked with many big-name artists. They come together to perform their own blend of Hammond soul, funk, blues, and jazz, joined by British-blues singer-songwriter and guitarist Alice Armstrong.
Mik Artistik’s Ego Trip
Genuinely delightful, funny, frightening and unique – these are a regular favourite at Glastonbury and have achieved an enviable reputation at many of the major UK festivals. In 2020, rock icon Iggy Pop endorsed their song ‘Sweet Leaf of the North’ as his favorite song of the last decade. Praise indeed.
Darnell Cole & The Vibe
Darnell “Big D” Cole is an Independent Rock/ Americana artist. Born in the blues, the soulful music is centered around his electric and captivating guitar playing.
Astrels
Some real Sheff legends in here! Astrels are singer-songwriter Steve Edwards (Cassius, Bob Sinclar), multi-instrumentalist Joe Newman (Reverend & the Makers) and drummer Paolo Mazzoni (TX and The Groove Family). They soynd something like cinematic dystopian pop-rock electronica that grooves with vintage synths, phat beats, soaring vocals and killer hooks.
Ivan Campo
An alternative indie-rock folk band from Manchester, they have released two albums and toured extensively throughout the UK and Europe.
Jazz Hot Six!
From Sheffield (mostly), the ‘Jazz Hot Six’ are some of the UK’s finest musicians playing everything from early (1930s-40s) traditional Gypsy Swing through to the bebop era of the early ‘50s and beyond.
Sarah Jay Hawley
Platinum-winning, internationally renowned singer/songwriter with a career spanning thirty years. Sarah has written and sung on over 80 international releases including Massive Attacks’ platinum-selling album Mezzanine.
Minds Idle
Much-loved indie-pop band from Sheffield who recently sold out The Leadmill. Pop in the sense of Roxy Music rather than Dua Lipa – that’s the idea at least.
Speed For Lovers
Dark pulsing new wave with elements of disco punk, Speed For Lovers are here to make you dance. Expect bangers for ravers old and new.
Freezer
The best-kept secret in 90s indie pop, their much-anticipated first single vanished in a puff of smoke as the record label went bang. However, the rock’n’roll detectives tracked them down all the way to 2022 and put the single out on a limited vinyl release. It sold out in 9 minutes!
Django Jones and the Mystery Men
Highly-rated Sheffield post-punk band drawing inspiration from The White Stripes and Idles. Their songs embrace energy in excess whilst maintaining a forceful rhythm and style.
Oughtibridge Brass Band
Traditional British brass band, currently competing in the 4th section of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain and recently awarded first place in the Regional Championships 4th Section.
Time splits and more info will be announced on The Dorothy Pax’s socials closer to the event.
Socials: @the_dorothy_pax // facebook.com/thedorothypax
